The U.S. Air Force has started experimental testing of Anduril Industries’ unmanned Fury fighter jet YFQ-44A, taking off from Edwards Air Force Base in California.
During the exercise last week, Air Force personnel led end-to-end YFQ-44A operations themselves, launching, recovering, and turning the aircraft daily, Anduril said in a statement on Thursday.
“The exercise marked the first time Air Force personnel — not Anduril employees — led end-to-end operations of the semi-autonomous combat aircraft, including launch, recovery, pre- and post-flight checks, weapons loading and unloading, and direct tasking of the air vehicle during taxi and flight,” according to the Defence Blog website.
Costa Mesa-based Anduril is competing for the unmanned fighter jet contract against General Atomics in San Diego.
